By Grace Samuel
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s mining sector have called for the speedy Operationalisation of the Solid Minerals Special Task Force (SMSTF) to tackle illegal mining activities in the country.
According to the miners, Nigeria loses over $3 billion in revenue to solid minerals theft and illegal mining activities annually.
Illegal mining activities involve the illegal excavation and exportation of mineral resources like gold, tin, diamond, lithium, and other precious stones by both Nigerians and foreigners.
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These minerals are excavated in an unregulated manner, and the revenue from these minerals is not accounted for.
Alhaji Mohammed Abba Liman, who spoke on behalf of mining stakeholders in the country in Abuja recently, said the utilisation of the SMSTF will reduce/eliminate illegal mining and stealing of Nigeria’s solid minerals.
Liman, who is the CEO of Daroo Nigeria Ltd, recalled that the SMSTF, was earlier set up by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, describing it as a welcome development.
Liman further stated that the solid mineral resources of Nigeria were being wasted through illegal activities across various regions of the country, including North-west, North-east, North-central, and South-west.
He, therefore, called for Nigeria’s mineral resources to be properly harnessed in order to create wealth and improve the country’s economy.
